Ever since I discovered Rachel Ashwell back in 2006 and her love of flea finds I thought somebody finally spoke my language. She coined the ‘shabby chic’ term and I was converted. Having already a knack for finding cute clothes at thrift stores and vintage shops, I figured that rummaging through flea markets wouldn’t be any different. When the time came to plan for my wedding, I’d find any excuse to go to any local flea market to search for unique finds to decorate our wedding day. Now being a wedding photographer, I downsized my finds and am constantly in the search for bits and bobs that would complement shoots and serve as interesting props to create a visual aesthetic. Now that Joanna Gaines has taken the reins of shiplap and French farm chicness, I am constantly looking for pieces that are just mesmerizing for my home.

Victor and I love to check out the Alameda Flea Market as it’s one of the biggest in the Northern California area with over 800 vendors. We have fond memories of bartering our special finds, walking until our feet can’t anymore and getting that last bit of elbow grease to load up the truck to take home.

Although this time, we weren’t in the market for home furnishings, I used the same set of guidelines that I always use when visiting the antique faire. I have found unique fabrics, brass trays, vintage sheet music (I used for flower cones and packaging), nimble and threads, jewelry, cameras, interesting storage solutions, picture frames, and old photographs. This time I came with a clear vision of the things that I was looking to acquire. Victor gave me a budget $40 and I was determined to make it stretch. Here are our tips for flea marketing hunting whether for your wedding or for props for your studio.

1. Have a list or mental list of things you’re in the market for. The Alameda Flea Market, in particular, has an incredible amount of inventories and sellers who specialize and don’t. It’s easy to just go and see what you find, but if you don’t have a list of things you want, then it’ll be easy to walk out empty-handed because it’s easy to get lost in all of the beautiful things that each vendor offers.

2. Determine whether you want to save as much as possible or find incredibly unique items. Why? Knowing this will factor in at what time you should get there. Early admission is a little bit more expensive but you get the full inventory prior to anybody else. You find incredible things but chances are that there will be more expensive. If you decide to go later in the day, most sellers don’t want to pack up all that’s left so they’ll be a little bit more flexible in bringing their prices down. Although most start packing by 2 pm, so you might have to be fast at finding your things.

3. Make a decision or move on. Most of the expensive sellers will be at the very front of the entrance and the less expensive sellers will be at the very back and everybody in the middle will range. Sometimes, I’ll find the things I really want at the beginning, so Inquire the cost. I will usually use that price as the bar for bartering down and to determine whether the next sellers truly has a good price. Most of the time, I’ll wait and if I really want it, try to barter (this is Victor’s job, he’s much better at this).

4. Bring cash. Pretty self-explanatory, but many vendors don’t have ATM’s or credit card processing machine, so make sure to bring enough cash. Vendors also treat you kinder with cash. There are ATM’s onsite but have a $3 processing fee.

5. Be Patient. You’ll end up walking a lot so bring good walking shoes and don’t get afraid to get your hands dirty. I’ve found my goodies buried underneath layers of disposable items. I’ve found stunning fabrics beneath so many less pleasant ones. I have to really dig to find that diamond in the rough. Most of the time, I’m tempted to just quickly glance over, but I push myself to lift and see what else is there. Sometimes, sellers know their items sometimes (many times) they don’t. You’ll find great inventory taking your time and being patient enough to find the piece you are looking for.

I pretend to be Joanna Gaines and sometimes a Latina version of Rachel Ashwell, but what I find, I end up using for years to come. Most of my finds for my wedding ended up in our first home as unique home furnishings. My props end up sparking conversation and have given so much visual interest to each capture I take that I’m much more satisfied with the outcome. I ended up spending my budget but stretched the dollar to some exciting things that make my heart pitter patter. See below!

I almost shelled out all of our budget and some of these unique Moroccan blankets/rugs.Door knobs for days!I probably lingered at Elsie Green‘s post the longest. I find so astonishing the way she curates her finds from all over Europe.  My friend found chandelier crystals for just $1 each! I also gave in to that little Contaflex on the left. I might go back for it. I found these lovely cotton puff stems for my friend branding image.  Cup holder this please!Victorian latches to add character. Found newspaper clippings from the 1800’s for just $1 each. I thought I could frame it.  There are also a ton of food trucks that park at the Antique Faire, in case you get hungry through all the rummaging.  Wedding huppah’s anyone?
These were my takeaways: 20×30 Northern European map, 11×14 frame, silver and crystal trays, cotton stem puff, vintage blueprint, and my original Italian gesso-painted tray. I’m most proud of this find, hoping to use for our next wedding. This is Italian Gesso paint. It was my most expensive find, but well worth it. This was a blueprint from one of the first houses in San Francisco owned at the time by one of the presidents of Wells Fargo. I thought i could frame it as part of my intended gallery wall.I live for dish trays, and they serve perfectly for unique touches in wedding days.Maps, I just can’t have enough. Victor and I have been watching the Outlander series and I thought this was a cool map that includes Scotland.

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